English

One-on-one guidance is provided by employment guidance instructors who understand the human resources needs of companies.

"If you’re looking for employment, head to HAL": this phrase has nothing to do with whether you’re Japanese or an international student.

For those who desire to get a job, the employment guidance instructors will give thorough individual guidance from resume writing to interview practice, production and presentation of your employment portfolio.

Thorough support for qualification acquisition and certification exam strategies, which are powerful tools when looking for a job.

We also provide full support for finding employment in Japan, such as job hunting strategies and acquisition of your VISA.

Unparalleled "Contest Achievements"
Many awards won consecutively in contests in a wide range of fields. It’s your turn next!

Industry-Academia Case Studies
You can aquire "real-world skills" by working with companies and creators from planning to commercilization!

"Special seminars” with direct guidance by professionals direct guidance from world-class creators and top runners in the industry.

1. HAL is a “licensed school”, a “proper school", and a “certified school" .
2. Upon graduation, you will receive a diploma and the title of "Advanced Diploma" or "Diploma".
3. There is a “Skill Up Course” available to help improve your Japanese proficiency.
4. There is an international student support system that helps you feel at ease during both your studies and daily life.
5. We provide a living environment where you can study with peace of mind.
6. We will take responsibility for supporting  you in gaining qualifications and getting employment in Japan. 

There are many other support systems available too!

HAL is powerful for international students going into the industry.

Aiming / BANDAI NAMCO Studios / CAPCOM / CyberAgent / CyberConnect2 / DMM.com / DOCOMO Systems / FromSoftware / GAME FREAK / GMO Internet / INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS / KLab / KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS / KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS / Konami Amusement / Konami Digital Entertainment / LINE / LIXIL / MAPPA / miHoYo / SEGA / SQUARE ENIX / SUNRISE / TOYOTA Motor East Japan / Yahoo JAPAN / Hero Mutual Entertainment / Shogakukan Music & Digital Entertainment / Toei ZUKUN LABORATORY / Nissan Motor Co., Ltd./Japan's No. 1 Software / Hitachi (China) Co., Ltd. / Nintendo / Hakuhodo i-studio / NetEase Games and many others

※ Achievement samples from graduates at the 3 HAL schools (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya)

Game Design／Game Planning／Game Production／CG Images／Graphic Design and Illustration／Animation／Music／Car Design／IT／WEB／AI

Departments and majors that cover the cutting-edge industries.
After graduation, the professional world you are aiming for awaits you.

Upon graduation, you will obtain the title of "advanced diploma" / "diploma". It will be easier for you to re-enter and get a job in Japan.

▶ Click here for more details　TOKYO　OSAKA　NAGOYA

HAL has prepared an environment where you can learn the latest techniques from around the world, not just in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Paris. Creators and engineers who play active roles worldwide are born at HAL.

HAL TOKYO
3 minutes on foot from Shinjuku station (West Exit).
50 storeys above ground, Cocoon Tower general school building.

HAL OSAKA
3 minutes on foot from Osaka station.
21 storeys above ground and 3 storeys below ground, HAL Osaka general school building. 

HAL NAGOYA
3 minutes on foot from Nagoya station.
36 storeys above ground, Spiral Towers general school building.  

CREAPOLE (HAL Paris)

HAL has 7 offices around the world, including its sister school in Paris. Each office supports global learning, from overseas research / training and support when studying abroad, to collaborations with companies and educational institutions overseas as well as admission consultation when enrolling directly from overseas.

• France Office (Paris Campus CREAPOLE)
• America Office (New York)
• Italy Office (Milan)
• Beijing Office
• Shanghai Office
• Taiwan Office
• Korea Office (Seoul)

The environment nurtures people!
Make the most of the best development and production environment approved by the PROs.

▶ Click here for more details　TOKYO　OSAKA　NAGOYA

▶ Click here for more details　TOKTO　OSAKA　NAGOYA

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  China / Sijia Zuo
  Game 4-year Department
  Designer at Square Enix Co., Ltd.

  I thought that enrolling at HAL would be the best way to aim to enter the game industry because of the good employment record and the reputation of the instructors. Students can also learn the how to draw from scratch and hone their drawing skills needed for game development.

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  Korea / Hyungseung Kim
  WEB Department
  UI Designer at LINE Co., Ltd.

  The instructors teach almost everything you need to get a job in an easy-to-understand manner, and I think it was great to have the job seminar and get to experience something that you would usually not. There are many on-campus briefings held at schools by companies, and I'm glad that every student had the oppotunity to attend these briefings. Choosing HAL is a major turning point in life.

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  America / Daniel Dilauro
  CG, Design and Animation 4-year course
  Character artist at Kojima Productions Co., Ltd.

  I found out about HAL because I wanted to work in the game industry. HAL is close to the company, and there are plenty of company information sessions and internships. It was also helpful to be able to talk directly with industry professionals at special seminars.

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  China / Yuyang Gu
  Information Processing Department
  Engineer at Yahoo Japan Corporation.

  I had more opportunities to interact with Japanese people, and my Japanese proficiency has improved. I am pleased that I was able to get a job offer from a major company in Japan with the school’s guidance on employment tactics for each company.

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  Indonesia / RAYMOND
  Car Design Department
  Clay modeller at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

  I was inexperienced and worried whether I could get a job in Japan, but I was able to improve quickly and easily got a job offer in an area that suits my needs. I will do my best to become a clay modeller who is active around the world.

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  China / Fei Hou
  Music Department
  Sound Designer at NetEase Games (NetEase Games).

  I was able to improve significantly because I was able to learn not only because of the specialized knowledge I got but also because I was able to become familiar with the atmosphere of the creator job field and the personality required.

▶ Click here for more　Voice of Seniors　TOKYO　OSAKA　NAGOYA

• What courses are offered?

  

  ▼ Day Classes (4-Year Curriculum)
  ※ You will receive an "Advanced Diploma" upon graduation, which is equivalent to a 4-year Japanese university qualification.
  
  Faculty of Games
  Game 4-year Department
  
  Game Design Course
  Game Designer Major
  3D Character Designer Major
  Smartphone Game Designer Major
  
  Game Planning Course
  Game Planner Major
  Game Scenario Writer Major
  Game Director Major
  
  Game Production Course
  VR / 3D Game Programmer Major
  Online Game Programmer Major
  Smartphone Game Programmer Major
  
  Faculty of CG
  4-year CG / Design / Animation Department
  
  CG Video Course
  3DCG Creator Major
  VFX Artist Major
  
  Graphic Design / Illustration Course
  CG Designer Major
  Illustrator Major
  
  Animation  Course
  Animator Major
  Digital Drawing Major
  
  Faculty of Music
  Music Department
  Sound Creator Major
  Sound Engineer Major
  Game Music Major
  
  Faculty of Car Design
  Car Design Department
  Car Designer Major
  Car Modeler Major
  Next Generation Mobility Development Major
  
  Faculty of IT
  Advanced Information Science Department
  
  Advanced Information Processing Course
  Advanced System Engineer Major
  IoT Network Major
  Cyber Security Major
  
  WEB Development Course
  WEB Designer Major
  WEB Development Engineer Major
  Smartphone Application Development Major
  
  AI Systems Development Course
  AI engineer major
  Next Generation Robotics Major
  Data science major

  
  

  ▼ Day Classes  (2-Year Curriculum)
  ※ You will receive a "Diploma" upon graduation, which is the equivalent a Japanese junior college qualification.
  
  Faculty of Games
  Game Department
  Game Program Major
  Character Design Major
  
  Faculty of CG
  CG Department
  CG Design Major
  CG Animation Major
  
  Faculty of Music
  Music Department
  Computer Music Major
  PA / Recording Major
  
  Faculty of Information Technology
  Information Processing Department
  Information Processing Program Major
  Network Security Major
  
  WEB Department
  WEB Programming Major
  WEB Design Major

  
  

  ▼ Day Classes  (1-Year Curriculum)
  
  Faculty of National Qualifications
  National Qualification Department
  Basic Information Technology Major
  Applied Information Technology Engineer Major
  Database Specialist Major
  Network Specialist Major
  Embedded System Specialist Major
  Information Security Supporter Major
  
  Paris School Study Abroad Course

  
  

  ▼ Night-time Classes (2-Year Curriculum)
  Game Department
  CG Imaging Department
  Graphic Design Department
  WEB design Department
  Network Department
  Information Processing Department

  ※  Student VISA cannot be obtained by those attending Night-time Classes. If you wish to enroll, please contact the Admissions Office.

• What educational features does HAL have?

  Our school provides industry-academic collaborations, which provides practical experience from industry professionals and companies to students.
  
  We also train students in unique subjects such as "Creativity Development", "Self-Development”, and “Thinking Skills”. These subjects maximizes creativity and builds necessary communication skills required in Japanese society.

• What has HAL achieved?

  Our school has won consecutive prizes from competitions in a wide variety of fields and has garnered a staggering contest performance record.

  In the "Japan Game Awards - Amateur Category"—where various works from universities and vocational schools all throughout the country are gathered annually, HAL is a top-level competitor that has won the grand prize award eight times. In 2021, our school set a new record in Japan for 15 years of consecutive wins. This record demonstrates the overwhelming capabilities of our students at HAL.

  In addition, our school runs an industry-academic collaboration project known as "Case Study", where we take on practical work from companies, organizations, and creators to plan and manufacture new products. Students are able to make the most out of their creative senses while learning from and interacting with actual industry professionals.

  ・Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd. - Completed game application and released to the general public.
  ・Proposed the next design of the Nissan "GT-R".
  ・Yahoo Japan Corporation - Released an application that utilizes the Map Web API.
  ・Direct instruction by Takayuki Yanase of Shirogumi Co., Ltd., to produce HAL TVCF.
  ...and many others.

• Can beginners study here too?

  From ZERO to PRO.

  Instructors who have experience in the industry will guide you starting from the very basics. We also hold special seminars featuring specialists from each industry as seminar leaders.

  With support from corporations, we have installed various game consoles as development platforms including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox 360, and the latest equipment including motion capture and a full digital surround system. We have created an environment that is perfectly geared towards creators. Since students study in an environment that matches professional spaces, even if you are a complete beginner at the time of admission, you will acquire the abilities needed for the industry by the time you graduate.

  ・Shigeru Miyamoto / Nintendo Co., Ltd./CEO Fellow / Works: Mario Series, The Legend of Zelda Series, Donkey Kong Series
  ・Nobuo Uematsu / Composer / Works: Final Fantasy Series
  ・Jakub Dvorsky / Game Creator / Works: Samorost, Machinarium

• I'm worried about being unable to keep up in class.

  There is nothing to be worry about. Our admissions screening process places an emphasis on the individual's motivation and dedication towards their goals. Passing this initial process ensures that you will be able to keep up with our classes. There is also a complete homeroom system all throughout the year where we will be able to closely provide support to each of our students. Please rest assured that we also offer individual supplementary classes.

  In addition, we have a dedicated team of guidance staff members to provide international students with assistance. Like-minded Japanese students will be there to assist as well. We also hold a special course to help improve your Japanese proficiency, where an N1-level langauge instructor will provide direction on preparing for the JLPT N1 examinations. Our unique learning environment allows you to not only acquire specialized knowledge and Japanese language skills, but also receive advice on daily life in Japan.

How to Enroll

• I would like to know more about HAL.

  We will send you the latest information regarding HAL for free.
  Click here to request our school brochures.
  ※ Overseas dispatch is not available.

  HAL TOKYO
  HAL OSAKA
  HAL NAGOYA

• I want to know the enrollment requirements.

  Students who meet all of the following conditions in sections 1, 2 below, assuming that the intent of studying abroad is clear and have a strong desire to acquire knowledge and skills in their respective fields.

  1. Those who have completed or are soon to complete a regular 12-year curriculum and will reach the age of 18 by the time of admission.
  ※ If your country's regular curriculum is less than 12 years, or if you will be under the age of 18 at the time of admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

  2. Students who meet one of the following conditions for Japanese proficiency.
  ・ Students who have studied for over 6 months a Japanese language education institution accredited by the Ministry of Justice of Japan.
  ・ Students who have passed the N1 or N2 levels in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
  ・ Students who have obtained 200 points or more in the Japanese language subjects from the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) (Total of reading comprehension, listening comprehension, and listening comprehension excluding description).
  ・ Students who got 400 points or more in the Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT).
  ・ Students who have studied for over one year at elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, vocational colleges, junior colleges, universities, or graduate schools in Japan.
  ※ Please contact  the Admissions Office if you do not have Japanese proficiency above but can fully understand the content of the class and have a status of residence that allows you to stay in Japan without any problems from admission to graduation.

• I would like to know how to enroll.

  ● If the applicant resides in Japan
  Please contact the Admissions Office or visit the school directly to obtain the "International Student Admission Guidelines".

  ● If the applicant resides in his / her own country ＜other than Japan＞
  We have two systems that allow admission by document screening without coming to Japan to take the examination*, and a system that asks a representative to apply for the application procedure. HAL will apply for status of residence on your behalf. 

  1. Overseas special admission system
  This system accepts and selects applications directly from overseas for those who have passed the N1 or N2 in the "Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)"*.

  2. Admission system before arrival in Japan
  This system allows you to take the "Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)" exam outside of the country and submit it before you arrive in Japan, based on your grades and document screening results*. The target persons are those who have obtained 200 points or more in Japanese subjects (total of reading comprehension, listening comprehension and listening comprehension excluding description).  

  3. Representative system
  Please ask a representative living in Japan to apply for you. We will contact the representative regarding the selection date.

  *If necessary, we may conduct an interview by a video call or telephone.

  
  

  Please contact us via phone or E-mail.
  Admission consultations available every day. (10:00 - 20:00 JST, excluding Sundays, Japanese public holidays, and dates between 12/26 - 1/5.) 

  HAL TOKYO : TEL. 03-3344-1010　E-mail: nyugaku.tokyo@hal.ac.jp
  HAL OSAKA : TEL. 06-6347-0001　E-mail: nyugaku.osaka@hal.ac.jp
  HAL NAGOYA : TEL. 052-551-1001　E-mail: nyugaku.nagoya@hal.ac.jp

  
  

  ▼ Application Method
  HAL TOKYO
  HAL OSAKA
  HAL NAGOYA

I would like to visit HAL.

• For those who would like to visit the school, please click on the link below.
  Visits available everyday, even online!(10: 00-20: 00, except Sundays and Japan public holidays, 12/26 - 1/5)

  • HAL TOKYO
  • HAL OSAKA
  • HAL NAGOYA

Contact Details

• HAL TOKYO

  1-7-3 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
  TEL : 03-3344-1010
  E-mail：nyugaku.tokyo@hal.ac.jp
  URL：https://www.hal.ac.jp/tokyo

• HAL OSAKA

  3-3-1 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0001
  TEL : 06-6347-0001
  E-mail：nyugaku.osaka@hal.ac.jp
  URL：https://www.hal.ac.jp/osaka

• HAL NAGOYA

  4-27-1 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya 450-0002
  TEL : 052-551-1001
  E-mail：nyugaku.nagoya@hal.ac.jp
  URL：https://www.hal.ac.jp/nagoya